Narai juku "It's off-limits today due to road construction!" Alamār!" It is located in Narai, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture. Narai Juku is the 34th post town in the Nakasendo Highway, counting from Itabashi Inn on the Edo side and Moriyama Inn on the Kyoto side, just in the middle of the Nakasendo Highway. The Town has been selected as a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings and retains a strong appearance of the past. On the day I visited, half of the road was off-limits due to road construction tears. The construction had not started yet early in the morning, so I asked to take a picture. "It's off-limits today due to road construction!" Alamār!" I don't know if the two people in the photo were talking. Restrooms available.

The Katsura River streams through the area of Yamanashi Prefecture. This river is Famous for sweetfish anglers as a fishing Spot one of the most the Kanto region. On the other hand, the current situation is that it is not known to the general public. I want more people to know about the Katsura River and sweetfish, which are local tourist resources. And I want to revitalize and promote the region. Squid, we have developed Specialty Products. In particular, this sweetfish sandwich is a rare product that you should try at least once. Sweet and spicy honeydew stew, confit with olive oil and garlic, It is a set of 3 types of fried foods that are fried and entwined with sauce.

This kagura has been handed down since the founding of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and has a history of more than 800 years. It was destroyed by fire, and there is a Tradition that it was used when Minamoto no Yoritomo relocated the palace for reconstruction. The Kagura will be held on December 16 at the Imperial Throne Memorial Festival, and the "Miyajin Song" that was chanted at that time will be played in the north garden of the Maiden, and the dance music "The Dance of the Chief" will also be performed. The appearance of dancing only with a Bonfire is elegant, and the ethereal world of the distant past is Reproduction. (Photography is allowed, but not only flash, but also shutter sound, fill light, and light leakage from the image monitor are prohibited.) Shinto ritual, not just sightseeing)

【Special Historic Site Kasori Shell Mound】 At the Kasori Shell Mound Special Historic Site, there are museums, field exterior viewing facilities where you can see the remains of dwellings and shell layer cross-sections, and a restored village, and it is popularly known as the "Kasori Shell Mound Jomon Ruins Park". Heldin various hands-on courses and events where you can learn about the culture of the Jomon period, and many people Visit here. It is said that there are about 2,400 shell mounds from the Jomon period in Japan, of which about 120 are concentrated in Chiba City. One of them, the Kasori Shell Mound, was inhabited by the Jomon people about 7,000 years ago. It is known that the formation of shell mounds began in the middle of the Jomon period, about 5,000 years ago. The Kasori Shell Mound is one of the largest in Japan, and is extremely valuable for elucidating the life and culture of the "Mura" of the Jomon period, and about 15.1 hectares are currently designated as National Special Historic Site. [Chiba City Kasori Shell Mound Museum] It opened in 1966 Showa 41. Focusing on Jomon Earthenware, Stoneware, and animal, fish, and human bones found in the Kasori Shell Mound, the exhibition explains the lives of the Jomon period people who lived around Tokyo Bay. The "Kasori E-type Earthenware" and "Kasori B-type Earthenware" bearing the name of Kasori are also on display. ■ Business hours: 9:00-17:00 Admission until 16:30 ■ Access: 15 minutes on foot from Chiba Monorail Sakuragi Station ■Address: 8-33-1 Sakuragi, Wakaba-ku, Chiba City

One at Ryuunji Temple in Shizuoka Prefecture. It is home to the world's largest Hannya Heart Sutra 16 meters wide × 4 meters high, which was Dedication by calligrapher Shoko Kanazawa. Squid may be hard to see in the photo, but when I actually saw it in front of me, I was overwhelmed by its size.

It is a Kamakura Yabusame horse performed at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura (Japan Heritage). It is a traditional Shinto ritual in which a dignified archer in the form of a warrior shoots a target with a bow and arrow from a galloping horseback riding. According to history, "In Kamakura, Minamoto no Yoritomo first made a dedication to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine on August 15, 1187." This Yabusame Shinto ritual is still being held on the Annual Grand Festival of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (September 16). It is a brave and solemn Shinto ritual where you can feel the breath of the Kamakura period. Feel the history in the traditional events of the historic town.

Koshu Katsuragawa sweetfish stewed with honeydew and confit. The Katsura River starts at At the foot of Mt. and stream the county area of Yamanashi Prefecture. In particular, the Katsura River, which stream through Uenohara City, is an important Tourist Resources that can be proud of both inside and outside the city, stream the sight of the spectacular scenery that you see is magnificent. In addition, since the Edo period, sweetfish from the Katsura River has gained popularity among people traveling along the Koshu-kaido as a Specialties of Uenohara. This sweetfish, which was once lost due to the construction of the Sagami Dam, has been revived in modern times thanks to the hard work of the Local Katsura River Fisheries Cooperative. Even now, many anglers visit the Katsura River during the season, bringing liveliness to the city. Using the wonderful scenery of the Katsura River and Uenohara's Specialties of Sweetfish as an opportunity, we would like to deliver the charm of the city to even more people. I want to liven up the community. Specialty products have been developed from such thoughts.

Just like ringing a bell when praying at a shrine, the sound of a bell has been believed since ancient times to have the power to connect gods and people and bestow blessings. This year, I would like to express my wishes to God and Held in wind chime Dedication so that you can continue to live with hope and peace in the future. Please write your wish on a strip of wind chime and offer it to God with the sound of a pure wind chime. During the summer until the end of August, wind chimes are hung throughout the corridor of the Precincts. We will also distribute wind chime Dedication Limited Time wind chime shuin stamps this year as well. Please come to the reception desk of the company office within the period. Last but not least, under the divine virtue of the great god of Oi Shrine, I would like to pray for your continued happiness and good health. 〔Dedication acceptance period〕　　 June 1st ~ August 20th *Wind chimes will be displayed until August 31st Daily 8:30~17:00 　

Osaka Castle, also known as "Osaka-jo" in Japanese, is a five-story iconic symbol of Japan with a history spanning nearly 450 years. It stands as a testament to Japan's rich past and is a must-visit for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the country's history and architectural wonders. This popular landmark attracts both local and international visitors year-round, offering a glimpse into Japan's fascinating past and captivating with its timeless beauty.

Uji City, Kyoto Ujigawa cormorants are said to have already been practiced in the Heian period, and have a long history Impression when I saw it for the first time, it was 😌 a mysterious sight with a female cormorant being active I didn't know if flash photography was good for animals, so I dared to shoot without flash

A townscape that makes you feel like you've traveled back in time to Edo Narai juku, Nagano There was also a large Kiso Bridge nearby, and it was a 😌 place where you could feel the history

Water wheel in Shinno, Kamikawa-cho, Hyogo Prefecture It is said that it has existed since before the 6th year of Genroku 1693, and 11 water wheels with a diameter of about 3 m are scattered in the waterway with abundant flow, and Ume Plum algae baikamo, which only lives in clear streams, can be seen nearby, and you can encounter a rural landscape rich in rich in nature and a beautiful original landscape that should be protected. There is 😌 a scene here that I want to visit many times in the past and connect from the history of the past to the future

Water wheel in Shinno, Kamikawa-cho, Hyogo Prefecture It is said that it has existed since before the 6th year of Genroku 1693, and 11 water wheels with a diameter of about 3 m are scattered in the waterway with abundant flow, and Ume Plum algae baikamo, which only lives in clear streams, can be seen nearby, and you can encounter a rural landscape rich in rich in nature and a beautiful original landscape that should be protected. There is 😌 a scene here that I want to visit many times in the past and connect from the history of the past to the future

Water turbine in Shinno, Kamikawa, Hyogo It is said to have existed since before the 6th year of Genroku 1693, and 11 water wheels with a diameter of about 3 m are scattered in the waterway with abundant flow, and Ume Plum flower algae baikamo, which only live in Clear streams, can be seen nearby, and you can encounter Rich in nature rural scenery and beautiful original scenery that should be protected. There is 😌 a scene here that I want to visit many times in the past and connect from the history of the past to the future

Katakura-kan, nationally designated Important Cultural Property This day-use bathing facility lies about a seven-minute walk from Kamisuwa Station. One of Suwa’s most famous baths, it served as a filming location for the movie Thermae Romae II. The deep 1.1 m bath called the “Sen-nin-buro” (Thousand-Person Bath) is meant for standing while you soak, which often surprises visitors. Smooth river pebbles cover the floor of the large bath, pleasantly stimulating the soles of your feet. It’s an ideal bath for tired bodies and is refreshing even in the height of summer—recommended for visitors to Kamisuwa Onsen♨ Day-use bathing is available here, so please enjoy the historic architecture along with the bath! Search keywords → Katakura-kan Sen-nin-buro

Imagine a time when samurai ruled the land and constructed magnificent forts. Himeji Castle, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site, is a sight to behold. Its most striking feature is the daitenshu, the main donjon. This impressive structure stands at 31.5 meters tall with five stories on the outside and seven interior floors, reaching a total height of 46.3 meters. The castle is surrounded by three smaller keeps connected by roofed passages, adding to its grandeur. Designated as national treasures, the donjons and watariyagura are a testament to Japan's rich history and architectural ingenuity.

Doll Memorial Service Suwa, Nagano Prefecture Onsenji Temple, Rinzai Myoshinji School On March 17, 2014, I visited Onsenji Temple. It is about a ten-minute walk from Kamisuwa Station. This temple performs memorial services for dolls and stuffed animals. It felt much like a funeral for dolls and stuffed toys. Onsenji holds a doll memorial service every March. In Japan, Boys’ Day falls on May 5 and Girls’ Day on March 3. Most grandparents give dolls to their grandchildren to pray for the child’s healthy growth. These are traditional Japanese dolls unique to Japan. As a result, many Japanese households own Japanese dolls. I believe dolls also have a spirit, like animism suggests. When your child owns a doll, the child plays with it. As the child grows up, they tend to move away from the doll. Most Japanese people do not simply throw away the dolls that watched over their children’s growth. That is because the dolls spent time with the child. Most Japanese think dolls have a soul. That is why they hold memorial services for dolls. That day, over 1,000 dolls were gathered. The chief priest chanted sutras for the dolls and stuffed animals for about 30 minutes. The priest offered thanks to the dolls with purifying salt. We prayed with the same feeling. It was a very mysterious experience. It was my first time seeing so many dolls and stuffed animals. Still, it was a deeply heartfelt Buddhist memorial for the dolls. I felt I could sense a little of Buddhist sentiment. That is why I love Japan!! Also, Onsenji is famous as a spot for autumn leaves. If you want to see beautiful foliage, please come and see the autumn colors at Onsenji.

It is one of the three major fire festivals in Japan and is designated as an important Intangible folk cultural property of Japan. It is spectacular to see 12 large torches weighing about 50 kg each parading along the approach. This year's ceremony will be held on July 14.

【Ōgahas】 The Giant Lotus is an ancient lotus that was discovered and bred in 1951 by a group led by botanist Dr. Ichiro Ohga. As a result of dating, it is known that it is a lotus that is at least 2,000 years old, and it is known as the world's oldest lotus that was excavated from an old stratum and successfully germinated and grown. This precious giant hath is rooted in about 250 places in Japan and overseas, and you can see its beautiful appearance in each place. Chiba City will be the "birthplace" of such a giant hasu. The lotus pond in front of the Lotus Pavilion in Chiba Park in Chiba City welcomes Renge Best time to visit from mid-June to July every year, and when there are more than 700 flowers, more than 700 flowers bloom, and many tourists Visit to see the graceful appearance of the giant lotus. There are walking paths and benches in the surrounding area, so you can spend a relaxing time with cherry blossom viewing. In addition to the beauty of the flowers, the historical background and the achievements of Dr. Ohga will allow those who visit to enjoy even more Impression. In addition, the flowers usually open from early morning to mid-morning and close around noon, so it is recommended to watch the giant hath in the morning! [Chiba Park] ■ Access: About a 10-minute walk from JR Chiba Station Chiba Park Exit or North Exit Get off in front of Chiba Monorail Chiba Park Station ■Address: 3-1-1 Benten, Chuo-ku, Chiba City

The 34th Magatama Festival On Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26, a festival of culture and the arts took place at Sannomiya Hibita Shrine. On a special stage in the shrine grounds, events such as traditional Japanese dance, iai sword-drawing demonstrations, kendo demonstrations, and magatama (bead) making workshops drew lively crowds, alongside stalls selling local farm produce and food trucks. Kururin tried the raffle where Kururin goods could be won, and won a Kururin memo pad! At the first day's Evening of Wind and Gagaku, attendees were captivated by elegant dances accompanied by wind instruments. Be sure to join us next year!!

The sculptures at the Chichibu Treasure Climbing Shrine were gorgeous, and I couldn't help but take a picture. The fineness of the carvings and the vividness of the colors are all wonderful. It is a workmanship that makes you feel Cool Japan.

I started helping farmers this year! For the first time, I learned that most of the famous lily root takes a lot of traditional manual work, and it takes five years to eat. And the young Indonesians I work with. Although we don't speak the language, we are important friends ^^ who work together to cherish historic specialties

Creative Local cuisine "Chiba-san" What is Mr. Chiba...? This dish was devised based on the "sanga-yaki" in which fishermen in Samukawa, Chiba City, who supported Edo-mae, roasted fish caught on a boat with condiments and miso paste. Tataki, which is made by cutting ingredients such as fish and meat into small pieces, adding miso, green onions, large leaves, and ginger and pounding them with a knife, and "Namero," which is further finely pounded and eaten raw, is a creative local cuisine created by adding additional ingredients and cooking methods. When you come to Chiba City, please enjoy the "Chiba-san" created by famous restaurants in Chiba City with their unique personalities and ideas! < is a local fisherman who grills Tradition> At the end of the Edo period, fishermen's boats in Samukawa used to cook the fish they caught on board for a meal. Soy sauce spills out, so the seasoning was exclusively miso. It is said that the origin of "sangayaki" is a dish tataki made by pounding the caught fish with condiments and miso, dipping it in the back of the shamoji and roasting it over a fire. These dishes, which were invented by the fishermen of Samukawa who wanted to deliver the fish they caught to Edo while they were still fresh, out of the need for on-board cooking, are a valuable culture that tells us that Chiba supported "Edo-mae". Written by Samukawa Shrine Ujiko Youth Association

When I visited Takashima Castle around Golden Week, local junior high students were there sketching the castle. Approaching the wisteria, a wonderfully sweet scent filled the air. Before I knew it, honeybees and carpenter bees had come to gather nectar🐝—even I, as a person, was drawn in by that lovely fragrance!!! I don’t understand why the demons in Demon Slayer would be afraid of such beautiful flowers, haha. I think they’re gorgeous. I recommend taking shots from beneath the wisteria trellis!!! Surprisingly, I didn’t know—despite being a local—that wisteria blooms were even in the pond... Takashima Castle, I’m sorry... Looking at the whole display of wisteria that day, to my amateur eye it seemed about 70% in bloom. On the grounds stands a rare Gokoku Shrine⛩ whose architecture resembles that of Suwa Taisha. It seems to have some unusual carvings. I think Golden Week is generally the best time to visit every year, when you can see them at their most beautiful. The castle, the park, and the wisteria—please come and visit next year; we’ll be waiting for you!

Japanese Garden "Mihamaen" A Japanese Garden in Makuhari Seaside Park with an area of about 1.6 hectares. In the pond spring circulation Garden, mountains, rivers, seas, forests, etc. are expressed, and you can fully enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons. It has a reputation for being able to easily experience Japanese culture. At the authentic tea house "Shoreitei", which is built in a number of strange houses, you can overlook the proud Garden and spend a relaxing time while enjoying seasonal Japanese sweets from Chiba long-established stores and matcha tea for a fee from long-established stores in Kyoto. You can also enjoy the experience of feeding beautiful carp that swim gracefully in the pond in the garden. Paid / Closed in winter In addition, there are plenty of events where you can easily experience Japanese culture. A variety of events are held, such as koto concerts and guided tours of gardens and tea rooms, so if you would like to participate, please check the official website. If you are staying near Kaihin Makuhari Station, it is within walking distance, so please extend your visit! ■ Business hours: 8:00-17:00 ■ Closed: Yes please check the website Fee: ・Admission fee: 100 yen for Adult, 50 yen for elementary, junior high and high school students * If you are 65 years old or older, admission is free upon presentation of your ID. * Matcha with Japanese sweets 700 yen for 1 cup sweets change depending on the season ■ Access: By < train> About a 10-minute walk from the south exit of Kaihin Makuhari Station on the JR Keiyo Line <By car> From Tokyo Approximately 7 minutes after exiting the Higashi-Kando "Wangan Narashino IC" 　　　　　　　 About 5 minutes after exiting the Higashikando "Wangan Chiba IC" from the Chiba direction ■Address: 2-116 Hibino, Mihama-ku, Chiba City

When I took a picture of Himeji Castle with the front shifted, the height of the castle walls and the presence of the castle tower stood out. It's a place you want to visit at least once.

It is a large drum at the Suwa Grand Shrine in Shinshu Suwa. In addition to the size, the gorgeous pattern on the body is worth seeing. This kind of attention to detail is Cool Japan. Why don't you visit once?

Chiba Shrine The main shrine of the North Star god "Myomi-sama". The star of man = Evil removal that controls fate, removes bad stars and leads to good stars, and eight directions that avoid disasters related to the azimuth. Prayer is a lot of worship in search of two powers. Although it is located in the city, it is also famous as a Power Spot where you can feel a mysterious atmosphere when you step inside. According to the legend of Chiba Shrine, when Chiba Tsuneshige moved his residence from Oshii Castle to Inohana Castle, he brought the Myomi-son, which had been handed down from his ancestors, to this place and built the Myomi-sha. After that, it was revered as the guardian deity of the Chiba clan until Chiba Shigetsu was destroyed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 18th year of Tensho 1590, and the temple was abolished by the Meiji era separation decree and became the Chiba Shrine to enshrine the main life of Tengochu. The annual summer festival "Myōken Taisai" has been held without interruption since the first festival began in the second year of Taiji 1127 and has become a tradition in Chiba. ■ Access: ・ 10 minutes walk from JR Chiba Station Central Ticket Gate East Exit ・10 minutes by car from Anagawa IC in Keiyo Province ■Address: 1-16-1 Hospital, Chuo-ku, Chiba City

A little Spot on the supporting role

The 34th Magatama Festival (Held in rain; program subject to change) Saturday, May 25, 1:00 PM–6:30 PM Sunday, May 26, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM Sannomiya Hibita Shrine (1472 Sannomiya, Isehara) By train: Odakyu Odawara Line, Isehara Station From Isehara Station by bus Board at North Exit, Platform 1 (bound for Kurihara via Sekidai) → Get off at "Hibita Shrine" (about 15 minutes) → short walk Board at North Exit, Platform 4 (bound for Isehara Depot via Tonomura and Ishikurabashi) → Get off at "Sannomiya" (about 12 minutes) → about 5 minutes on foot Board at North Exit, Platform 1 (bound for Tsurumaki Onsen via Ozumidai) → Get off at "Gobe" (about 12 minutes) → about 12 minutes on foot By car About 5 minutes from the Shin-Tomei Expressway Isehara-Ooyama Interchange Organizer: Magatama Festival Executive Committee (0463-95-3237) A festival of culture and the arts held in Hibita no Mori, the birthplace of ancient culture A special stage will present a wide variety of performances and events. * Simultaneous special exhibition of archaeological materials (including Important Cultural Properties) (free) Featuring city-designated cultural properties such as items excavated from the Noborioyama Kofun Items excavated from Rachimen Kofun and Oneyama Kofun Bronze swords and horse fittings with gold plating over bronze, such as the kondo tandoryu-kan-ha (a single-dragon ring-hilt in gilt bronze) Numerous cultural properties excavated from surrounding ruins are preserved here Open 10:00 AM–4:00 PM At the Sannomiya Local History Museum (inside Hibita Shrine) * Magatama-making experience (materials fee required) At the parking area in front of Sanshuden (Fun Square) Enjoy local agricultural product sales, food trucks, and other stalls. "An Evening of Kangen and Bugaku" (first day, 25th, 5:10 PM–6:30 PM) The graceful dances performed to wind instrument music are well worth seeing! Kururin will also be there!!